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Original poster

Kings or Hampton

39 replies

outoftouchwitheverything · 15/02/2019 20:39

Hi. Really struggling with this. We live closer to Kings, but really love Hampton, although we realise Kings is a fantastic school too and do like it. I'm worried about the balance of state and private at Kings, particularly at 13, when the prep school kids come through, with Hampton seeming more balanced (but I could be wrong). Hampton felt more down to earth, loved the head., but it would be a pain, particularly for parents events, weekend sports etc when Kings is closer. DS loves sport, but won't be in the A teams, so either would be good for him. Kings edges it with not having to choose between rugby and football. Are we crazy to choose a coach ride of an hour each way for DS when a great school is more or less on our door step and it would make our lives easier??

OP posts:
Original poster
outoftouchwitheverything · 09/03/2019 10:35

Thank you, alwaysinjured. Tbh, we would have been happy with her, but reassuring to know your DS is happy at Kings. Smile

OP posts:
amidaiwas · 08/03/2019 11:48

Kings also has the option of IB at sixth form. Wish I had taken this into account at 11 !

alwaysinjured · 08/03/2019 11:47

my son is at Kings and I know boys who are at Hampton. My son adores Kings and the boys I know who go to Hampton, love it there too. They are much and much the same although I do know that one of my friend's son, found the first year at Hampton really strict.

I'm glad you've chosen Kings - it really is a happy school and the boys always seem happy there.

Original poster
outoftouchwitheverything · 04/03/2019 13:55

Something also to think about is as Kings has relatively new larger 11+ so will more local boys choose kings to Hampton going forward? I know two families locally who send boys to Hampton, but that was a few years back. Of course they need to be offered both schools to be able to choose!

OP posts:
Original poster
outoftouchwitheverything · 04/03/2019 13:09

*Anotherworryingmum. We have decided to go with Kings simply because of the distance for both us and DS. He could do it on the coach. Think about the sport too (Kings in Raynes Park), whether you have other children, so your logistics. Loved Hampton, but had to put the family's needs first - Kings is a also a great school!

OP posts:
Poppyred25 · 04/03/2019 08:37

@Anotherworryingmum , I've sent you a PM, (you can read it via a computer not the app).

Anotherworryingmum · 04/03/2019 04:16

Hi. Interested to know your decision? We are in a similar position. We love Hamptons but live in Wimbledon. King’s is a great school but our son just doesn’t want to go there. We’re not too concerned about the coach journey, more about where his friends will live if he attends Hamptons - anyone living in Wimbledon with sons at Hamptons who can comment? Thx

Testbunny · 16/02/2019 14:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Ivegotthree · 16/02/2019 13:46

I would go for Kings because of the journey. It really matters.

Also Kings has a better reputation, for those who care about such things.

Prufrockspeach · 16/02/2019 13:42

Hi - I have a DS at KCS and another who has just been offered a place which he will take (despite being offered Hampton too). My DS1 is loving KCS. The academic are excellent and KCS are on top of it all - I have never had any cause for concern and my DS is on track to do incredibly well in his GCSEs. There are lots of opportunities for Sport, Music, Drama and Art and despite the size of the school my DS has managed to make it onto teams that have weekly fixtures (despite not being an "A" team player at his previous school). He has also been involved in a school production (despite having never acted before!)....there are plenty of clubs and it really is a very buzzy school with lots going on. Personally I can think of nothing worse than having a teenager home from school by 4:30, especially if friends are spread across london - thats a lot of free time to occupy! I love the fact that DS has sports practice after school, or play practice or one of the many things that KCS does outside of the school day. I also love the fact that he will be introduced to girls in 6th form. Plus I wouldn't worry about the state/prep school mix. The kids all come from all over and everyone mixes well.

Original poster
outoftouchwitheverything · 16/02/2019 06:44

Thank you Bool Yes, he has done very well. I think you may be right, but it'll be hard decision

LadayGaga01
Gut says Hampton, we felt more of a connection there, maybe because of the process. Felt the warm, fuzzy feeling people talk about, but Kings is a great school, and it's easier practically.

AbstractNoun why do you say KIngs? Closer?

OP posts:
AbstractNoun · 15/02/2019 22:37

KCS definitely.

ladygaga01 · 15/02/2019 21:39

Congratulations!! Both fantastic schools and your son should be very proud.

Go with your gut feeling

Bool · 15/02/2019 20:57

Seriously go closer. They are both brilliant schools. It makes a massive difference in the evenings with sports and homework. An hour each way is crazy yes when you have Kings. Wow! Well done to your DS btw

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